I know Thanksgiving usually means a big gorgeous turkey taking center stage, but hear me out. These vegetarian recipes are so good, so cozy, and so full of flavor that I honestly don't think anyone will miss the bird. I've pulled together 18 of my favorite meatless dishes to help you build a holiday table that everyone can dig into.
1. Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy, buttery, and completely vegan-friendly, this cauliflower casserole is so good that even the most devoted meat eaters will go back for seconds. It's loaded with flavor and plenty of gooey, melty cheese. There's a little tanginess that reminds me of squash casserole, but with even more crunch.
2. Stuffing
You absolutely do not need a plump turkey to enjoy incredible Thanksgiving stuffing. And you don't have to settle for the boxed stuff either. This vegan version brings together all the most fragrant, cozy ingredients like celery, sage, onions, and vegetable broth. It's warm and moist and so, so tasty.
3. Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's pie is one of those beloved classics that just feels like a warm hug. This version skips the ground beef and goes with carrots, celery, and mushrooms instead. It's all nestled under a blanket of mashed potatoes, which is pretty much the definition of comfort food. You can also make it ahead of time, so it's perfect when you're feeding a crowd.
4. Baked Acorn Squash Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is already a decadent dream, but this recipe turns it into something extra special. The creamy pasta gets piled into roasted acorn squash bowls. It bakes up with crispy breadcrumbs on top and the whole thing spills over the edges in the most irresistible way. This is such a fun and easy vegetarian main dish.
5. Vegan Apple Crumble
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a little something sweet. And this apple crumble is just like grandma used to make. The texture reminds me of coffee cake. Serve it warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.
6. Vegan Pot Pies
Fans of chicken or turkey pot pie are going to flip over this hearty vegetarian main dish. The recipe calls for celery, onion, carrots, and broccoli, but you can totally swap in whatever veggies you have in the fridge. Bake them at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes and you've got a dinner nobody will forget.
7. Pumpkin Pie
Do I really need to sell you on pumpkin pie? It's a Thanksgiving must, and this recipe is absolutely perfect. If you love a thick, silky filling with a warm, crunchy crust, this is the one for you.
8. Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
This salad is such a lovely fall treat. It's sweet and earthy and way more hearty and filling than any salad has a right to be. The wheat berries do take a bit of time to cook, but you can make them ahead if you're often in a rush.
9. Smashed Potatoes
I first started making smashed potatoes as a little trick to get the kids excited about potatoes. Now everyone loves them so much that I always make a double batch. They're spectacular. Super crispy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside, and just supremely buttery.
10. Roasted Vegetables
There's never a wrong time for a big pan of roasted vegetables, holiday or not. You can follow the recipe exactly or just pile the baking sheet with whatever veggies you love most. The real magic is in the seasonings. Oh, and they're naturally gluten-free, which is a lovely little bonus.
11. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
This slaw takes everything you know about classic coleslaw and makes it sweeter and crunchier in the best way. I'll be honest, coleslaw isn't usually my thing, but I genuinely enjoy this one. It comes together in just 20 minutes. Easy peasy.
12. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries
This salad is one of my all time favorites because it's simple, healthy, and genuinely delicious. There's no lettuce, spinach, or kale here. The base is entirely shredded Brussels sprouts, and they are superb. Toss in some dried cranberries and chopped pecans and you're done. It really doesn't get any easier.
13. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These amazing stuffed mushrooms bring an Italian twist to your Thanksgiving feast. The filling is a creamy mix of cottage cheese, feta, mozzarella, and spinach. Marinara sauce adds the perfect tangy contrast. They're hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but you can easily plate them up as a side too.
14. Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
If you need a showstopper vegan dish for the holiday table, this stuffed squash is absolutely it. The filling is packed with lentils, mushrooms, kale, and sweet little cranberries all tucked right inside the squash. It looks incredible on the plate. And the first bite is just as satisfying as that beautiful presentation.
15. Butternut Squash Gratin
If you're as obsessed with butternut squash as I am, this gratin is calling your name. The squash and red onion are layered up in a casserole. Then everything gets smothered in a cream sauce with vegetable stock, parmesan, black pepper, and thyme. More cheese goes on top before it hits the oven and honestly, it's fit for a king.
16. Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts always show up on fall tables. But cauliflower deserves a spot too. Roasting it whole brings out the most wonderful flavor. This version is loaded with garlic and parmesan for a side dish that's completely irresistible.
17. Vegan Turkey Roast
A Thanksgiving table just feels a little empty without that golden brown centerpiece, doesn't it? This plant-based roast steps right in and does the job beautifully. It's made from seitan with a savory herb stuffing running right through the middle. Slice it up and spoon some vegan gravy over the top and I promise you won't even think about turkey.
18. Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto
This risotto is basically everything I want in a vegetarian Thanksgiving side. The flavors and textures just work together so wonderfully. That gorgeous orange color pops against all the other neutral sides on the plate. And the best part? It cooks in the oven, which makes it almost completely hands off. I love it for the holidays, but honestly it's a year round favorite.